Young midfielders Toby Edser and Callum Whelan may go on to have decent careers in the game but were not what a club crying out for experience in midfield needed at the time.

OK, admittedly it’s a long shot and not all signings work out – but there’s clearly real potential in the 23 year-old midfielder…

The same can be said of Daniel Trickett-Smith – who was signed at the end of January but after being loaned to former club Leek Town now won’t be eligible to play for the Valiants until next season. Many Vale fans will be wondering at the point of signing a player who cannot even feature this season but in contrast to the loan signings, Trickett-Smith may just prove to be a canny piece of business by the club.

OK, admittedly it’s a long shot and not all signings work out – but there’s clearly real potential in the 23 year-old midfielder.

He began his career at Crewe and at 16 he was one of the brightest prospects in the game with Manchester City and Liverpool battling for his signature. It was Liverpool who won the chase with a deal that would have hit £1m with first-team appearances. The England youth international starred as Liverpool reached the FA Youth Cup final but he couldn’t break into the senior team and was released in 2016.

This prompted Trickett-Smith to go back to basics, he spent time in the US Leagues before a spell under renowned former Crewe coach Neil Baker in the Evostick League playing for Leek Town. His form for Leek prompted Vale to move for the youngster and signing him on an eighteen month deal in January.

It prompts an interesting question over whether Trickett-Smith can deliver for Vale next season. Arguably one of the key areas the Valiants need to strengthen is midfield where more creativity and goals are needed. If he fires, perhaps the former Leek man can be the man to provide both.

The 23 year-old may also have the right manager in John Askey. Presuming the club doesn’t descend into the chaos of administration, Askey is expected to be in charge next season and has a solid reputation for developing lapsed talent. Not only that but Askey also got the best out of Danny Whitaker – a creative goalscoring midfielder in a similar mould to Vale’s recent signing.

Could the Vale manager revive Tickett-Smith’s career? Arguably Vale have not had a creative goalscoring midfielder since the days of Whitaker and (another double-barrelled midfielder) Marc Bridge-Wilkinson.

Can Trickett-Smith thrive under John Askey, get over the setback of his Liverpool disappointment and prove to be a bargain buy? Only time till tell.

Recent comments

David Wright on Port Vale transfer target is given free transfer by current club: “I agree on the playing side decisions made by John Askey, but his pursuit of Adam Crookes baffles me. I have seen most Vale last year and seemed to start OK but latterly to me he was not at then races. I may be wrong and he obviously can see something I can’t but good luck to the team for next season nonetheless” May 23, 19:34

Phil Yeomans on Roll Back the Years: Unsung Port Vale Players – Then and Now!: “Interesting to read again of the past players in particular Billy Paynter who was in the youth side during my time as part of the under16 coaching team. Anthony Gardner, Chris Birchall were also players who went on to make the professional game.” May 23, 09:33

David Wright on Port Vale transfer target is given free transfer by current club: “I was never Ryan Lloyd’s greatest fan, but he seems to have done well at Mac under John Askey, so let’s hope he could resurrect Lloyd's career at the Vale. He is free transfer so not a lot to lose. Also I agree with his decisions to put Rawlinson on the transfer list... Whitfield I'm not sure.” May 22, 19:32

Rob Fielding on Five bizarre Port Vale transfer rumours: “In answer to the market question, this was raised at the fans forum and the new owners confirmed they were looking into it. It wouldn't be the old format (as those sort of markets are passe) but it was mentioned that it could be a car boot (or similar) in front of the away stand utilising the concourse refreshment outlets and toilets. It sounded like a cracking idea to me and could bring in extra revenue. Other non-match day events were also being considered.” May 21, 15:25

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OVF backs the official Port Vale Supporters Club and Valiants for Diversity. We support the Football Supporters Federation, Show Racism the Red Card and Football vs Homophobia organisations. We donate to the Donna Louise Trust and the Douglas MacMillan Hospice. OVF deplores discrimination and violence.

Views expressed in the forum are NOT necessarily those of the site owners. We do not read posts in advance but will take swift action to delete offensive posts. To report a post please click here and follow the instructions